Samsung’s LN32A550 is the follow on to the LN32A540, a unique 32″ LCD TV with a pixel format of 1920 x 1080. Now, 32″ LCD TVs that are capable of displaying 1080p without scaling is nothing new, but still they are special and enact a special price. Samsung’s LN32A550 has a MSRP of US$1,099.99, which is about $300 more than a tier-1 brand’s 720p 32″ LCD TV offering.

The excellent 15,000:1 contrast ratio should provide excellent picture quality. However I am not absolutely sure that motion blur is adequately minimized. The LN32A550 does not feature 120Hz or a scanning backlight via CCFL or LED. The liquid crystal response time of 5ms should be adequate for most HD viewing but not fast-action content: you’ll definitely be able to detect motion blur. I wouldn’t recommend the LN32A550 for use as a huge gaming monitor either: definitely get one that has 120Hz, a scanning backlight, motion interpolation or a combination. I am currently working on a lengthy report that details 6 essential ingredients to a perfect LCD TV and should help you choose one that’s perfect for you.

Samsung has a new and enhanced “Wide Color Enhancer II” (WCE-II) that improves the reds. I am guessing that this is accomplished by enhanced CCFL phosphors in the backlight unit (BLU). Be sure to calibrate any LCD TV for optimum pictures (especially those that have enhanced color gamuts) as it will look dramatically different from the store due mostly to ambient lighting conditions.